[The second statement throws him off guard quickly. As unexpected as it would be coming out of anyone's mouth, it was especially coming from Ratatosk. Aster never really thought of himself as amazing. In fact, he owed everything to the people around him. ]

That is kind of you to say, Ratatosk. However if there is anything amazing about me it is only because of the people who supported me.

[If that little bit had happened any other time, with any other conversation background outside of 'you're dead', Aster would have been thrilled to hear Ratatosk say that to him, even if he didn't agree. It's like his life's work is giving him a compliment. How many researchers could say that? ]

Richter and Rilena are amazing people.

[A slight pause.]

I suppose you wouldn't know her, but she is a talented researcher in Sybak as well.